Control system

ABSTRACT

A system includes a body structure that defines a cabin, a seat assembly that is located in the cabin, and a support structure that includes a top portion and an adjustable support assembly. The support structure is located adjacent to the seat assembly, the adjustable support assembly includes actuators, and the adjustable support assembly is configured to move the top portion with respect to the seat assembly. The system also includes sensors that are configured to generate sensor outputs regarding an environment outside of the system, and a controller that detects an event based on the sensor outputs. In response to the detection of the event, the controller outputs a control signal that controls the adjustable support assembly so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the top portion away from the seat assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/318,333, filed on May 12, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/050,125, filed on Jul. 10, 2020, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyfor all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to control systems.

BACKGROUND

Control systems may control the motion of objects within a compartmentand absorb energy during an event that causes a sudden abnormal changein acceleration, speed, and/or direction of the compartment. Some ofthese systems are passive, such as restraining belts, mechanicalcomponents that crush or deform to absorb energy, and spring systemsthat allow motion of certain components in response to applied forces.Some of these systems are active, such as inflatable bags that deploy toreact the motion of objects in a controlled manner while absorbingenergy.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a body structurethat defines a passenger cabin, a seat assembly that is located in thepassenger cabin, and a table that includes a table top and an adjustablesupport assembly. The table top is located adjacent to the seatassembly, the adjustable support assembly includes actuators, and theadjustable support assembly is configured to move the table top withrespect to the seat assembly. The vehicle also includes sensors that areconfigured to generate sensor outputs regarding an environment outsideof the vehicle, and a controller that detects a vehicle event based onthe sensor outputs. In response to the detection of the vehicle event,the controller outputs a control signal that controls the adjustablesupport assembly so that the adjustable support assembly moves at leastpart of the table top away from the seat assembly.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs thecontrol signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at leastpart of the table top away from the seat assembly by rotating at leastpart of the table top away from the seat assembly.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs thecontrol signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at leastpart of the table top away from the seat assembly by translating atleast part of the table top away from the seat assembly.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the table includes a forcesensor that outputs a force signal, wherein the controller outputs thecontrol signal in dependence on the force signal.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the table includes a forcesensor that outputs a force signal and the controller outputs thecontrol signal to move at least part of the table so that a magnitude ofa force represented by the force signal remains below a threshold forcevalue.

In some implementations of the vehicle, a portion of the table top thatis adjacent to the seat assembly is formed from a crushable material toabsorb energy.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assemblyincludes a rotation adjuster, a first translational adjustment stage,and a second translational adjustment stage.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assemblyincludes a support column that is connected to a floor of the bodystructure.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assemblyis connected to an interior wall of the body structure.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the adjustable support assemblyis configured to move the table top of the table into a cavity that isdefined by an interior wall of the body structure.

The vehicle may also include an airbag assembly that controllable todeploy an airbag adjacent to the seat assembly so that the airbagengages the table top and the table top serves as a reaction surface forthe airbag.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a bodystructure that defines a passenger cabin, a seat assembly that islocated in the passenger cabin, and a table that includes a table topand an adjustable support assembly. The table top is located adjacent tothe seat assembly, the adjustable support assembly is configured to movethe table top with respect to the seat assembly, and the adjustablesupport assembly is movable from a locked state in which motion of thetable top is restrained to an unlocked state in which motion of thetable top is allowed in at least one degree of freedom. The vehicle alsoincludes sensors that are configured to generate sensor outputsregarding an environment outside of the vehicle, and a controller thatdetects a vehicle event based on the sensor outputs. In response to thedetection of the vehicle event, the controller outputs a control signalto switch the adjustable support assembly from the locked state to theunlocked state.

In some implementations of the vehicle, rotation of the table top is notrestrained in the unlocked state so that the table top is able to rotatein response to an external force that is applied to the table top.

In some implementations of the vehicle, translation of the table top isnot restrained in the unlocked state so that the table top is able totranslate in response to an external force that is applied to the tabletop.

In some implementations of the vehicle, a portion of the table top thatis adjacent to the seat assembly is formed from a crushable material toabsorb energy.

The vehicle may also include an airbag assembly that controllable todeploy an airbag adjacent to the seat assembly so that the airbagengages the table top and the table top serves as a reaction surface forthe airbag.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle that includes a bodystructure that defines a passenger cabin, a seat assembly that islocated in the passenger cabin, and a table that includes a table topand an adjustable support assembly. The adjustable support assemblyincludes actuators, and the adjustable support assembly is configured tomove the table top with respect to the seat assembly. The airbagassembly is controllable to deploy an airbag adjacent to the seatassembly. External sensors that are configured to generate externalsensor outputs regarding an environment outside of the vehicle. Acontroller detects a vehicle event based on the external sensor outputsand, in response to the detection of the vehicle event, outputs acontrol signal that controls the adjustable support assembly so that theadjustable support assembly moves to a position where the airbag engagesthe table top upon deployment of the airbag so that the table top servesas a reaction surface for the airbag.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs thecontrol signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at leastpart of the table top to a predetermined position.

The vehicle may also include internal sensors that are configured togenerate internal sensor outputs regarding states within the passengercabin, wherein the controller determines a table position based on theinternal sensor outputs and outputs the control signal so that theadjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top to thetable position.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs thecontrol signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at leastpart of the table top by rotating at least part of the table top awayfrom the seat assembly.

In some implementations of the vehicle, the controller outputs thecontrol signal so that the adjustable support assembly moves at leastpart of the table top away from the seat assembly by translating atleast part of the table top away from the seat assembly.

In some implementations of the vehicle, a portion of the table top thatis adjacent to the seat assembly is be formed from a crushable materialto absorb energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustration of a vehicle that includesa passenger cabin.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustration of a table.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view illustration of the table.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section illustration of an example implementation ofthe first translational adjustment stage.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of animplementation a table top taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of animplementation the table top taken along line B-B of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example of a process for controlling asafety system of the vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of a process for controlling asafety system of the vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration that shows a table.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section schematic illustration taken along line C-Cof FIG. 10 showing rotational breakaway features.

FIG. 12 is a side view schematic illustration that shows translationalbreakaway features.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a firstposition.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration that shows the table of FIG. 12 in asecond position.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a firstposition.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration that shows the table of FIG. 15 in asecond position.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a deployedposition.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration that shows the table of FIG. 17 in aretracted position.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a deployedposition.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration that shows the table of FIG. 19 in aretracted position.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration that shows a table in a deployedposition.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration that shows the table of FIG. 21 in aretracted position.

FIG. 23 is a side view schematic illustration that shows a seat assemblyand a table.

FIG. 24 shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbingdevice.

FIG. 25 shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbingdevice.

FIG. 26 shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbingdevice.

FIG. 27 shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy-absorbingdevice.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of an example of a safety system.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration fora controller.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration fora vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to vehicle safety systems for use in vehicleinteriors that include a table that is positionable so that it may beused by the passengers of the vehicle.

As an example, the vehicle safety systems that are described herein maybe of particular applicability to fully autonomous vehicles. In suchvehicles, there is no need to position a human driver near vehiclecontrols, allowing for various alternative passenger cabinconfigurations. Thus, a passenger may be seated at a table whiletravelling in the vehicle, instead of driving the vehicle.

The systems described herein include active and passive systems thatcontrol motion of the table upon detection of a vehicle event. As usedherein, the term vehicle event refers to a collision, a crash, anevasive maneuver, or other circumstance that causes a sudden abnormalchange in acceleration, speed, and/or direction of the vehicle. As usedherein, detection of a vehicle event refers to detecting that a vehicleevent has occurred or detecting that a vehicle event is predicted tooccur (e.g., an imminent vehicle event). By controlling the motion ofthe table, the amount of force reacted by the table as a result ofengagement by the passenger and the time period over which the force isreacted can be influenced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustration of a vehicle 100 thatincludes a passenger cabin 102 inside a body structure 104 of thevehicle 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle.The vehicle 100 will be described with reference to a longitudinaldirection X (e.g., fore-aft), a lateral direction Y (e.g., side toside), and an elevational direction Z (e.g., up-down).

The vehicle 100 may be a road-going vehicle that is supported by wheelsand is able to travel freely upon roadways and other surfaces inaccordance with a velocity, heading angle, and steering angle of thevehicle 100. The passenger cabin 102 is a space where a passenger 101 islocated when travelling in the vehicle 100. The passenger cabin 102 isdefined in the body structure 104 of the vehicle 100. The body structure104 may include a frame, subframe, unibody, monocoque, exterior bodypanels, interior body panels, and movable panels (e.g., doors, tailgate,hood, trunk lid, etc.) that are connected to other portions of the bodystructure 104 by mechanisms such as hinges or tracks.

Interior elements are located in the passenger cabin 102. The interiorelements include a seat assembly 106 and a table 120.

The seat assembly 106 includes a seat pan 108, a seat back 110, a headrest 112, and a seat support 114 that connects the seat assembly 106 toa floor 116 of the body structure 104. The passenger 101 may sit in theseat assembly 106. A restraint such as a seat belt 118 is provided tosecure the passenger 101 with respect to the seat assembly 106. Thepassenger 101 should be using the seat belt 118 while the vehicle 100 isoperating, as the safety systems described herein are intended to becomplementary to the seat belt 118 and used in conjunction with it. Itshould be understood, however, that the safety systems that aredescribed herein are configured to provide energy absorption forpassengers who are not using the seat belt 118.

The seat pan 108 and the seat back 110 may each include structures suchas rigid frames, springs or other resilient suspension members,cushioning materials (e.g., foam rubber), a seat cover, and/or otherstructures. The seat pan 108 is configured to be sat on by the user,e.g., including contact with the buttocks and thighs of the passenger101. The seat back 110 extends upward from the seat pan 108 and may bepivotally connected to the seat back 110 to allow adjustment of arecline angle. The seat back 110 is configured for engagement with thepassenger 101, e.g., with the hips, torso, shoulders, neck, and/or headof the passenger 101. The seat support 114 is connected to the seat pan108 and/or the seat back 110 to support the remainder of the seatassembly 106 in a spaced relationship above a floor 116 of the passengercabin 102. In some implementations, the seat support 114 may beconnected to the floor 116 in a manner that allows the seat assembly 106to be moved within the vehicle 100. As an example, the seat support 114may be connected to the tracks that are formed in the floor 116 to allowmovement of the seat assembly 106 along the tracks.

The table 120 is positioned near the seat assembly 106. In theillustrated example, the table 120 is located directly ahead (e.g.forward) of the seat assembly 106 in the longitudinal direction X of thevehicle 100. This position of the table 120 allows the table 120 to beused by the passenger 101 while they are seated in the seat assembly106. The table 120 includes a table top 122 and an adjustable supportassembly 124 that is connected to the floor 116 of the body structure104 and supports the table top 122 so that it is located above the floor116 so that it is accessible to the passenger 101 while the passenger101 is seated in the seat assembly 106.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustration of the table 120. FIG. 4 isa schematic front view illustration of the table 120. The adjustablesupport assembly 124 is a motorized adjustment systems that usesactuators (e.g., rotary electric motors, linear electric motors, orother actuators) to move the table top 122. The adjustable supportassembly 124 is configured to adjust the position of the table top 122of the adjustable support assembly 124 by moving the table top 122 inone or more rotational degrees of freedom and in one or moretranslational degrees of freedom. In the illustrated implementation, theadjustable support assembly 124 is operable to move the table top 122 inthree translational degrees of freedom (e.g., corresponding to thelongitudinal direction X, the lateral direction Y, and the elevationaldirection Z when the table top 122 is oriented as in FIGS. 1-2 ) and inone rotational degree of freedom (e.g., around an axis parallel to theelevational direction Z when the table top 122 is oriented as in FIGS.1-2 ).

The adjustable support assembly 124 can be controlled by a passengermanual control. For example, the passenger may use an input device bywhich commands are input into a control system to adjust the position ofthe table to a comfortable position at which the table top 122 can beused for functions such as eating or using a laptop computer. Theadjustable support assembly 124 can be controlled by an automated systemthat changes the position of the adjustable support assembly 124according to program instructions. As an example, the automated systemmay move the table top 122 in response to detection of a vehicle event.

In the illustrated implementation, the adjustable support assembly 124includes a first support column portion 326, a second support columnportion 328, an elevation adjuster 330, a rotation adjuster 332, a firsttranslational adjustment stage 334 (e.g., a longitudinal adjustmentstage), and a second translational adjustment stage 336 (e.g., a lateraladjustment stage).

Adjustment components of the adjustable support assembly 124, includingthe elevation adjuster 330, the rotation adjuster 332, the firsttranslational adjustment stage 334, and the second translationaladjustment stage 336 may be operated in accordance with control signalsthat are output by a control system as will be described herein.

The first support column portion 326 and the second support columnportion 328 cooperate to define a support column of the table 120. Thefirst support column portion 326 is connected to the floor 116 of thebody structure 104 of the vehicle 100. In the illustratedimplementation, the first support column portion 326 and the secondsupport column portion 328 are connecting in a telescoping manner, forexample, with each including a hollow tubular structure with one of them(e.g., the second support column portion 328) having a smaller diameterto allow for nesting within the other.

The second support column portion 328 is connected to the first supportcolumn portion 326 by the elevation adjuster 330 to allow the height ofthe table top 122 to be raised and lowered. The elevation adjuster 330is an actuator assembly that is configured to raise and lower the secondsupport column portion 328 with respect to the first support columnportion 326, which results in raising and lowering the table top 122. Asan example, the elevation adjuster 330 may be or include a screwactuator including a rotary electric motor that is fixed to the firstsupport column portion 326 and rotates a screw that engages a threadedelement that is connected to the second support column portion 328 tocause the second support column portion 328 to raise and lower. Examplesof screw actuators include lead screw actuators and ball screwactuators. The locations of components may be reversed, for example, byconnecting the actuator to the second support column portion 328.

The rotation adjuster 332 is connected to the second support columnportion 328 and is configured to cause rotation of the table top 122around an upright axis (e.g., an axis of the second support columnportion 328). As an example, the rotation adjuster 332 may include arotary electric motor that is fixed to the second support column portion328 and has a rotatable output shaft that is connected to the firsttranslational adjustment stage 334.

In another implementation, the rotation adjuster 332 is located in thefirst support column portion 326 and rotates the first support columnportion 326 with respect to the floor 116 of the body structure 104. Inanother implementation, the rotation adjuster 332 is located in eitherof the first support column portion 326 or the second support columnportion 328 and is configured to rotate the first support column portion326 with respect to the second support column portion 328. In anotherimplementation, the rotation adjuster 332 and the elevation adjuster 330are combined to adjust elevation and rotation using a single actuatorassembly.

The first translational adjustment stage 334 and the secondtranslational adjustment stage 336 are each linear adjustment stagesthat allow the table top 122 to be translated in a single degree oftranslational freedom. The first translational adjustment stage 334 andthe second translational adjustment stage 336 so that, in combination,they allow the table top 122 to be translated in a plane that extendsgenerally perpendicular to the axis of the support column of the table120. This may be a generally horizontal plane. The translationaldirection of the first translational adjustment stage 334 and the secondtranslational adjustment stage 336 with respect to the body structure104 of the vehicle 100 will vary according to adjustment of therotational orientation of the table top 122 by the rotation adjuster332.

When the table top 122 is positioned in the angular orientation that isshown in FIGS. 1-2 , the first translational adjustment stage 334 isoperable to move the table top 122 in the longitudinal direction X ofthe body structure 104 and the second translational adjustment stage 336is operable to move the table top in the lateral direction Y of the bodystructure 104.

In the illustrated example, the rotation adjuster 332 is connected tothe first translational adjustment stage 334, the first translationaladjustment stage 334 is connected to the second translational adjustmentstage 336, and the second translational adjustment stage 336 isconnected to the table top 122. It should be understood that the orderof these components may be changed without affecting the ability of theadjustable support assembly 124 to adjust the position of the table top122.

In the illustrated example, the table 120 is shown as being fixed to thefloor 116 of the vehicle 100. In alternative implementations, one ormore of the rotation adjuster 332, the first translational adjustmentstage 334, or the second translational adjustment stage 336 may beimplemented as a moving connection of the table 120 to the floor 116 ofthe vehicle 100. As one example, the first translational adjustmentstage 334 or the second translational adjustment stage may beincorporated in the floor 116 so that the table 120 translates withrespect to the floor 116, for example, along a track that is defined inthe floor 116. As another example, the rotation adjuster 332 may beincorporated in the floor 116 to define a rotating connection of thetable 120 to the floor 116.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section illustration of an example implementation ofthe first translational adjustment stage 334. The same configuration canbe used to implement the second translational adjustment stage 336. Inthe illustrated example, the first translational adjustment stage 334includes a carriage 538, a housing 540, linear bearings 542, and alinear electric motor 544.

The carriage 538 and the housing 540 and connected by the linearbearings 542 to allow relative sliding. As an example, the carriage 538may have an axial length that is shorter than (e.g., one fourth of) anaxial length of the housing 540. In the illustrated example, the linearbearings 542 include elongate rods that are mounted to the housing 540and guide blocks that are mounted to the carriage 538 so that the guideblocks may slide along the elongate rods. Other configurations may beused.

The linear electric motor 544 includes a channel 546, magnet arrays 548,and electromagnetic coils 550. The channel 546 is an elongate u-shapedstructure that extends along the housing 540 parallel to the linearbearings 542. The magnet arrays 548 are positioned opposite one anotheralong the inside of the channel 546. The electromagnetic coils 550 areconnected to the carriage 538 and are positioned in the channel 546between the magnet arrays 548. As an example, the electromagnetic coils550 may be mounted to a rigid structure that extends outward from asurface of the housing 540 into the interior of the channel 546. As isknown in the art, energization and de-energization of theelectromagnetic coils 550 creates attractive and repulsive forces thatcan be controlled to cause linear motion in a forward or rearwarddirection. Other actuators may be used in place of the linear electricmotor 544, such as a ball screw actuator or a lead screw actuator.

It should be understood that the adjustable support assembly 124 mayinclude passive and/or active components in various configurations. Forexample, the rotation adjuster 332, the first translational adjustmentstage 334, or the second translational adjustment stage 336 may includepassive or active movement mechanisms such as electromechanical devices,pneumatic devices, and/or pre-tensioned spring devices.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of animplementation the table top 122 taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 . FIG. 7is a schematic cross-section illustration of an example of animplementation the table top 122 taken along line B-B of FIG. 6 . In theillustrated implementation, the table top 122 includes an upper panel652, a lower panel 654, and a peripheral structure 756, at least part ofthe table top 122 includes an internal structure 658 that has acrushable configuration. The crushable configuration of the internalstructure 658 allows the table top 122 to crush and thereby absorbenergy when subjected to large external farces. As examples, thecrushable configuration of the internal structure 658 may be defined bya crushable material, a geometric configuration of a rigid or semi-rigidmaterial, or by a geometric configuration of a crushable material. Thus,a portion of the table top 122 may be formed from a crushable materialto absorb energy during a vehicle event. Thus, a portion of the tabletop 122 that is positioned adjacent to the seat assembly 106 may beformed from a crushable material to absorb energy during a vehicleevent.

In the illustrated example, the internal structure 658 includes uprightwall portions 660 that extend all or part of the way between the upperpanel 652 and the lower panel 654 and are arranged in a hexagonalconfiguration to define cells 662, which are open spaces (e.g., airspaces, pores, etc.) that extend in the elevational direction Z. Thepresence of the cells 662 in the internal structure 658 of the table top122 allows for crushing, as the upright wall portions 660 may collapsetoward each other during crushing. In the illustrated example, the cells662 are configured to allow crushing in the length and width dimensionsof the table top 122 but are strong in the elevational direction. Thisallows for crushing in response to forces applied in the longitudinaldirection X and/or the lateral direction Y of the vehicle 100. Othertypes of cellular structures may be used instead of hexagonalconfigurations, including two-dimensional cellular structures andthree-dimensional cellular structures of any configuration.

In some implementations, only part of the table top 122 includes aninternal structure 658 that has a crushable configuration. The table top122 may be configured so that the portion of the table top 122 that ispositioned near the seat assembly 106 is crushable. For example, part ofthe peripheral structure 756 may be positionable adjacent to (e.g.,facing) the seat assembly 106 and the crushable configuration of theinternal structure 658 may be located adjacent to that part of theperipheral structure 756 and extending across the table top 122 by atleast twenty percent of the width of the table top 122 in the directionperpendicular to that part of the peripheral structure 756 (e.g., atleast twenty percent of a width of the table top 122 in the longitudinaldirection X of the vehicle 100).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example of a process 870 for controlling asafety system of the vehicle 100. The process 870 may be implemented,for example, in the form of computer executable program instructionsthat are executed by a computing device (e.g., having a memory and aprocessor). The process 870 may be embodied, for example, in the form ofa computer readable storage device that includes instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to perform the operationsof the process 870.

In operation 871, an actual or predicted vehicle event is detected. Asone example, an actual vehicle event can be detected by sensors that areassociated with the vehicle 100, such as impact sensors oraccelerometers. The signals from these sensors are interpreted by acontrol system of the vehicle (e.g., by comparing the magnitude of asensor output sensor to a threshold value) to determine whether anactual vehicle event has occurred, such as when a sensed accelerationvalue exceeds a threshold value. Detection of an actual vehicle eventmay be performed according to known techniques. As another example, apredicted vehicle event can be detected using sensors associated withthe vehicle 100 to determine the current positions of static or dynamicobjects with respect to the vehicle 100, and the predict (e.g., based oncurrent velocities of the vehicle 100 and other objects in theenvironment around the vehicle 100) that the vehicle 100 will collidewith one or more of the static or dynamic objects (e.g., an imminentvehicle event) at a time in the future (e.g., milliseconds in thefuture, seconds in the future, etc.). Detection of a predicted vehicleevent may be performed according to known techniques.

In operation 872, the table top 122 of the table 120 is moved using theadjustable support assembly 124. Operation 872 is performed in responseto detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event in operation 871.In operation 872 the table top 122 of the table 120 may be moved awayfrom the seat assembly 106 in order to reduce forces experienced by thepassenger 101 as a result of contact with the table 120 during a vehicleevent. This is an active movement of the table top 122 using actuatorsthat are included in the adjustable support assembly 124 and undercontrol of an automated system, for example, included in a computingdevice or control unit that is included in the vehicle 100.

In an implementation, the table top 122 of the table 120 is moved usingthe adjustable support assembly 124 in response to an actual orpredicted vehicle event by translating the table top 122 away from theseat assembly 106. As a result, a distance between the seat assembly 106and at least part of the table top 122 of the table 120 is increased.With respect to the position shown in FIGS. 1-2 , the table top 122 ofthe passenger 101 may be translated away from the seat assembly 106 bytranslating the table top 122 forward in the longitudinal direction X ofthe vehicle 100. As an example, the table top 122 may be translatedforward in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 100 using thefirst translational adjustment stage 334 of the adjustable supportassembly 124 of the table 120.

In an implementation, the table top 122 of the table 120 is moved usingthe adjustable support assembly 124 in response to an actual orpredicted vehicle event by rotating the table top 122 away from the seatassembly 106. As a result, a distance between the seat assembly 106 andat least part of the table top 122 of the table 120 is increased. Withrespect to the position shown in FIGS. 1-2 , the table top 122 of thepassenger 101 may be translated away from the seat assembly 106 byrotating the table top 122 around an axis that extends in theelevational direction Z of the vehicle 100, for example, using therotation adjuster 332 of the adjustable support assembly 124 of thetable 120.

In an implementation, the table top 122 of the table 120 is moved usingthe adjustable support assembly 124 in response to an actual orpredicted vehicle event by translating and rotating the table top 122away from the seat assembly 106.

In operation 872 the table top 122 of the table 120 is moved from aninitial position to a changed position. The changed position reflectstranslation of the table top 122 of the table 120 by a distance relativeto the initial position and/or rotation of the table top 122 of thetable 120 by a rotation angle relative to the initial position. Thedistance and/or rotation angle may be a predetermined distance and/or apredetermined rotation angle. The distance and/or rotation angle may bea dynamically determined distance and/or rotation angle.

In one implementation, the table top 122 of the table 120 is moved inoperation 872 dependent upon a force applied to the table top 122 by anobject such as the passenger 101 or the seat assembly 106. As anexample, an output signal (e.g., force signal) from a force sensor 323(FIG. 3 ) can be used to determine how far to translate and/or rotatethe table top 122 relative to the initial position. As one example,translation and/or rotation of the table top 122 of the table 120 maycontinue as while a magnitude of a force sensed by the force sensor 323exceeds a threshold value until a maximum translation distance and/orrotation angle (e.g., predetermined maximum translation distance andpredetermined maximum rotation angle) are reached. As another example,the speed and distance of translation and/or rotation of the table top122 of the table 120 may be controlled by a predetermined relationshipthat controls motion of the table top 122 using a formula, lookup tableor other relationship based on the magnitude of the force applied to thetable 120 and optionally based on the current position of the table 120and/or the current rotational velocity of the table 120. Thus, the table120 may include the force sensor 323, which outputs a force signal, anda controller outputs a control signal to move the table top 122 of thetable 120 using the adjustable support assembly 124 in dependence on theforce signal

In some implementations, translation and/or rotation of the table top122 of the table 120 are limited to maximum values, which may bereferred to as a predetermined maximum translation distance andpredetermined maximum rotation angle. As one example, the actuators ofthe adjustable support assembly 124 may be configured to resist motionbeyond the predetermined maximum translation distance and predeterminedmaximum rotation angle. As one example, the adjustable support assembly124 may include mechanical stops (e.g., stop surfaces included in therotation adjuster 332, the first translational adjustment stage 334,and/or the second translational adjustment stage 336) that are engagedto resist motion beyond the predetermined maximum translation distanceand predetermined maximum rotation angle.

In some implementations of the process 870, a controller detects avehicle event based on sensor outputs and, in response to the detectionof the vehicle event, outputs a control signal that controls theadjustable support assembly so that the adjustable support assemblymoves at least part of the table top away from the seat assembly. Thecontroller may output the control signal so that the adjustable supportassembly moves at least part of the table top away from the seatassembly by rotating at least part of the table top away from the seatassembly. The controller may output the control signal so that theadjustable support assembly moves at least part of the table top awayfrom the seat assembly by translating at least part of the table topaway from the seat assembly.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of a process 970 for controlling asafety system of the vehicle 100. The process 970 may be implemented,for example, in the form of computer executable program instructionsthat are executed by a computing device (e.g., having a memory and aprocessor). The process 970 may be embodied, for example, in the form ofa computer readable storage device that includes instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to perform the operationsof the process 970.

Initially, the position of the table top 122 is locked so that movementof the table top 122 in rotation and translation is restrained. As oneexample, electric motors used in the actuators that are included in theadjustable support assembly 124 of the table 120 can apply brakingaccording to known techniques, such as reverse current braking, to lockthe movement of the table top 122. As another example, some or all ofthe actuators that are included in the adjustable support assembly 124may incorporate mechanical locking structures that restrain motion ofthe table top 122. Mechanical locking structures may be included in, forexample, the elevation adjuster 330, the rotation adjuster 332, thefirst translational adjustment stage 334, and/or the secondtranslational adjustment stage 336 of the adjustable support assembly124 of the table 120.

In operation 971, an actual or predicted vehicle event is detected inaccordance with the description of operation 871 of the process 870.

In operation 972, the adjustable support assembly 124 is controlled tounlock motion of the table top 122 in at least one degree of freedom.Thus, the adjustable support assembly may be moved from a locked stateto an unlocked stated in response to detection of an actual or predictedvehicle event by unlocking motion of the adjustable support assembly 124in at least one degree of freedom so that the table top 122 is able tomove passively in response to application of an external force (e.g.,contact with the passenger 101). As one example, motion of the rotationadjuster 332 may be changed from a locked stated in which motion of therotation adjuster 332 is restrained to an unlocked state in which motionof the rotation adjuster 332 is not restrained.

This is a passive movement of the table top 122 in which the table top122 is moved by forces applied to the table top 122 by external objectsas opposed to being moved by actuators that are included in theadjustable support assembly 124.

In one implementation, the table top 122 of the table 120 is moved inoperation 872 dependent upon a force applied to the table top 122 by anobject such as the passenger 101 or the seat assembly 106. As anexample, the output signal from a force sensor 323 (FIG. 3 ) can be usedto determine how far to translate and/or rotate the table top 122relative to the initial position. As one example, translation and/orrotation of the table top 122 of the table 120 may continue as while amagnitude of a force sensed by the force sensor 323 exceeds a thresholdvalue until a maximum translation distance and/or rotation angle (e.g.,predetermined maximum translation distance and predetermined maximumrotation angle) are reached. As another example, translation and/orrotation of the table top 122 of the table 120 may be controlled, basedthe magnitude of a force sensed by the force sensor 323, to set atranslational speed and/or a rotational speed that are intended toprevent the magnitude of the force sensed by the force sensor 323 fromexceeding a threshold value. As another example, the speed and distanceof translation and/or rotation of the table top 122 of the table 120 maybe controlled by a predetermined relationship that controls motion ofthe table top 122 using a formula, lookup table or other relationshipbased on the magnitude of the force applied to the table 120 andoptionally based on the current position of the table 120 and/or thecurrent rotational velocity of the table 120.

FIG. 10 is an illustration that shows a table 1020 that includes a tabletop 1022 and an adjustable support assembly 1024 that incorporatesbreakaway features. The table 1020 may be implemented in accordance withthe description of the table 120, and the table top 1022 and theadjustable support assembly 1024 may include any or all of thecomponents described with respect to the table top 122 and theadjustable support assembly 124. The table 1020 may be incorporated inthe vehicle 100 in the manner described with respect to the table 120.

The breakaway features of the adjustable support assembly 1024 includerotational breakaway features 1033 that, in the illustratedimplementation, are located at an interface of a first support columnportion 1026 and a second support column portion 1028 of the adjustablesupport assembly 1024. The breakaway features of the adjustable supportassembly 1024 also include translational breakaway features 1035 that,in the illustrated implementation, connect the table top 1022 to theadjustable support assembly 1024. The breakaway features of theadjustable support assembly 1024 may be incorporated with all otherimplementations of tables described herein.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section illustration taken along line C-C of FIG. 10of the rotational breakaway features 1033. In the illustrated example,the second support column portion 1028 is telescopically nested in thefirst support column portion 1026. The first support column portion 1026has axial grooves 1180 formed on its inner periphery, and engagingstructures such as splines 1181 extend outward from the first supportcolumn portion 1026 into the axial grooves 1180 to allow elevationaltranslation by sliding while resisting rotation by engagement of thesplines 1181 with the axial grooves 1180. The splines 1181 includeaxially-extending notches 1182 that define weak points that extendaxially along the splines 1181. If the rotational breakaway features1033 are subjected to a rotational force that is greater than athreshold value (e.g., according to the strength of the splines 1181along the axially-extending notches 1182), the splines 1181 may fail(e.g., by shearing along the axially-extending notches 1182) so that thesplines 1181 no longer resist rotation of the first support columnportion 1026 with respect to the second support column portion 1028.This allows rotational breakaway during a vehicle event so that thetable top 1022 may rotate away from the seat assembly 106.

FIG. 12 is a side view illustration that shows the translationalbreakaway features 1035, which include posts 1083 that connect the tabletop 1022 to the adjustable support assembly 1024. The posts 1083 includenotches 1084 that define weak spots for the posts 1083, and areconfigured to fail when subjected to a force that is greater than athreshold value. As an example, the notches 1084 may be oriented to failin response to forces applied in the longitudinal direction X of thevehicle 100 to allow translational breakaway of the table top 1022during a vehicle event so that the table top 1022 moves translationallyaway (e.g., in the longitudinal direction X) during a vehicle event.

FIG. 13 is an illustration that shows a table 1320 in a first positionin which a table top 1322 is oriented such that the upper surface of thetable top 1322 is generally horizontal. The position shown in FIG. 13 isa use position that corresponds to usage of the table 1320 under normalcircumstances. FIG. 14 is an illustration that shows the table 1320 in asecond position in which the table top 1322 is oriented so that theupper surface of the table top 1322 is generally upright (e.g., withintwenty-five degrees of vertical). The table 1320 may be implemented inaccordance with the description of the table 120, and may include any orall of the components described with respect to the table 120, includingthe adjustable support assembly 124. The table 1320 may be incorporatedin the vehicle 100 in the manner described with respect to the table120.

The table top 1322 is connected to a support column 1326 by a pivotassembly 1385. A rotation axis of the pivot assembly 1385 may begenerally horizontal. For example, as installed in the vehicle 100, therotation axis of the pivot assembly 1385 may extend parallel to thelateral direction Y of the vehicle 100. The pivot assembly 1385 may beactive or passive. As one example, the pivot assembly 1385 may becontrolled actively according to the process 870. As another example,the pivot assembly 1385 may be controlled passively according to theprocess 970.

In one implementation, the pivot assembly 1385 is active and includes anactuator (e.g. a rotary electric motor) that can be controlled to pivotthe table top 1322 from the first position to the second position inresponse to detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event. Inanother implementation, the pivot assembly 1385 includes a releasemechanism (e.g., solenoid pin) that resists rotation while locked,allows rotation when released, and is released (e.g., by a signal orcommand) in response to detection of an actual or predicted vehicleevent. In this implementation, the table top 1322 may be off-balancerelative to the pivot assembly 1385 and/or the pivot assembly 1385 maybe spring biased to cause pivoting of the table top 1322 from the firstposition to the second position when the pivot assembly 1385 isreleased. In another implementation, the pivot assembly 1385 may includerotational breakaway features (e.g., implemented per the rotationalbreakaway features 1033) that allow pivoting of the table top 1322 fromthe first position to the second position in response to an appliedforce that causes the rotational breakaway features to fail (e.g., forcegreater than a threshold values corresponding to the strength of therotational breakaway features.

FIG. 15 is an illustration that shows a table 1520 in a first positionin which a table top having a first table top portion 1522 a and asecond table top portion 1522 b is oriented such that the upper surfaceof the table top is generally horizontal. The position shown in FIG. 15is a use position that corresponds to usage of the table 1520 undernormal circumstances. FIG. 16 is an illustration that shows the table1520 in a second position in which the first table top portion 1522 aand the second table top portion 1522 b are each oriented so that theupper surface of the table top is generally upright (e.g., withintwenty-five degrees of vertical). The table 1520 may be implemented inaccordance with the description of the table 120, and may include any orall of the components described with respect to the table 120, includingthe adjustable support assembly 124. The table 1520 may be incorporatedin the vehicle 100 in the manner described with respect to the table120.

The first table top portion 1522 a and the second table top portion 1522b are connected to a support column 1526 by a pivot assembly 1585. Arotation axis (or rotation axes) of the pivot assembly 1585 may begenerally horizontal. For example, as installed in the vehicle 100, therotation axis of the pivot assembly 1585 may extend parallel to thelateral direction Y of the vehicle 100. The pivot assembly 1585 allowsindependent pivoting of the first table top portion 1522 a and thesecond table top portion 1522 b. In the illustrated implementation, thefirst table top portion 1522 a and the second table top portion 1522 beach pivot upward independently from the first position to the secondposition. In an alternative implementation, the first table top portion1522 a and the second table top portion 1522 b each pivot downwardindependently from the first position to the second position. The firsttable top portion 1522 a and the second table top portion 1522 b maymove passively or actively, for example, according to theimplementations discussed in connection with the table top 1322 of thetable 1320. For example, the table 1520 may include electromechanicalactuators to move the first table top portion 1522 a and the secondtable top portion 1522 b upward or downward. As one example, the pivotassembly 1585 may be controlled actively according to the process 870.As another example, the pivot assembly 1585 may be controlled passivelyaccording to the process 970. When rotated upward or downward, surfacesof the first table top portion 1522 a and the second table top portion1522 b may be oriented generally vertically, such as generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

FIG. 17 is an illustration that shows a table 1720 in deployed position.FIG. 18 is an illustration that shows the table 1720 in a retractedposition. The table 1720 includes a table top 1722 is connected to andsupported by an interior wall 1786 (e.g., instrument panel, etc.) thatis located in a passenger cabin of a vehicle, such as the passengercabin 102 of the vehicle 100. For example, the interior wall 1786 may bepart of the body structure 104 of the vehicle 100. In the deployedposition, the table top 1722 may be located near a seat assembly 1706that is similar to the seat assembly 106. The table top 1722 may move tothe retracted position by sliding from the deployed position into acavity 1787 that is formed in the interior wall 1786 (e.g., through anopening formed in the interior wall 1786). In the deployed position, amajority of the table top 1722 is located outside of the cavity 1787. Inthe retracted position, a majority of the table top 1722 is located inthe cavity 1787.

The table top 1722 may be supported by a translational stage 1734 thatallows the table top 1722 to slide between the deployed position and theretracted position. The translational stage 1734 may be active orpassive. In active implementations, the translational stage 1734 mayinclude actuators (e.g., electromechanical actuator devices) that movethe table top 1722 from the deployed position to the retracted inresponse to a command that is issued by a control system in response todetection of a vehicle event. In passive implementations, the table top1722 may move from the deployed position to the retracted position inresponse to application of force to the table top 1722 (e.g., uponcontact of the passenger 101 with the table 1720 during a vehicleevent). As one example, motion of the table top 1722 may be controlledactively according to the process 870. As another example, motion of thetable top 1722 may be controlled passively according to the process 970.

The translational stage 1734 may be or include an electromechanicaldevice, a pneumatic device and/or a pre-tensioned spring device. Thetranslational stage 1734 may be implemented in the manner described withrespect to the first translational adjustment stage 334 and the secondtranslational adjustment stage 336. The translational stage 1734 mayinclude an energy absorbing device that controls motion of the table top1722 to absorb energy in a controlled manner during movement of thetable top 1722 in response to force applied by contact of the passenger101 with the table top 1722.

FIG. 19 is an illustration that shows a table 1920 in deployed position.FIG. 20 is an illustration that shows the table 1920 in a retractedposition. The table 1920 includes a table top having a first table topportion 1922 a and a second table top portion 1922 b. The first tabletop portion 1922 a is connected to and supported by an interior wall1986 (e.g., instrument panel, etc.) that is located in a passenger cabinof a vehicle, such as the passenger cabin 102 of the vehicle 100. Thesecond table top portion 1922 b is telescopically related to the firsttable top portion 1922 a so that it slides into and out of an interiorof the first table top portion 1922 a between the deployed position andthe retracted position. In the deployed position, the second table topportion 1922 b may be located near a seat assembly 1906 that is similarto the seat assembly 106. The second table top portion 1922 b may moveto the retracted position by sliding from the deployed position into theinterior of the first table top portion 1922 a. In the deployedposition, a majority of the second table top portion 1922 b is locatedoutside of the first table top portion 1922 a. In the retractedposition, a majority of the second table top portion 1922 b is locatedin the interior of the first table top portion 1922 a.

The second table top portion 1922 b may be supported by a translationalstage 1934 that allows the second table top portion 1922 b to slidebetween the deployed position and the retracted position. Thetranslational stage 1934 may be active or passive. In activeimplementations, the translational stage 1934 may include actuators(e.g., electromechanical actuator devices) that move the second tabletop portion 1922 b from the deployed position to the retracted inresponse to a command that is issued by a control system in response todetection of a vehicle event. In passive implementations, the secondtable top portion 1922 b may move from the deployed position to theretracted position in response to application of force to the secondtable top portion 1922 b (e.g., upon contact of the passenger 101 withthe second table top portion 1922 b during a vehicle event). As oneexample, motion of the second table top portion 1922 b may be controlledactively according to the process 870. As another example, motion of thesecond table top portion 1922 b may be controlled passively according tothe process 970.

The translational stage 1934 may be or include an electromechanicaldevice, a pneumatic device and/or a pre-tensioned spring device. Thetranslational stage 1934 may be implemented in the manner described withrespect to the first translational adjustment stage 334 and the secondtranslational adjustment stage 336. The translational stage 1934 mayinclude an energy absorbing device that controls motion of the secondtable top portion 1922 b to absorb energy in a controlled manner duringmovement of the second table top portion 1922 b in response to forceapplied by contact of the passenger 101 with the second table topportion 1922 b.

FIG. 21 is an illustration that shows a table 2120 in deployed position.FIG. 22 is an illustration that shows the table 2120 in a retractedposition. The table 2120 includes a table top having a first table topportion 2122 a and a second table top portion 2122 b. The first tabletop portion 2122 a is connected to and supported by an interior wall2186 (e.g., instrument panel, etc.) that is located in a passenger cabinof a vehicle, such as the passenger cabin 102 of the vehicle 100. Thetable 2120 includes an adjustable support assembly that is defined by afirst pivot assembly 2188 and a second pivot assembly 2189. The firstpivot assembly 2188 connects the first table top portion 2122 a to theinterior wall 2186 so that the first table top portion 2122 a isrotatable with respect to the interior wall 2186. The second table topportion 2122 b is connected to the first table top portion 2122 a by asecond pivot assembly 2189 so that the second table top portion 2122 bis rotatable with respect to the first table top portion 2122 a. In thedeployed position, the second table top portion 2122 b may be locatednear a seat assembly 2106 that is similar to the seat assembly 106 andthe first table top portion 2122 a and the second table top portion 2122b are arranged so that they are oriented generally horizontally and in agenerally coplanar relationship with respect to each other.

To move from the extended position to the retracted position, the firstpivot assembly 2188 causes (e.g., actively) or permits (e.g., passively)rotation of the first table top portion 2122 a relative to the interiorwall 2186 so that it extends generally upward from the interior wall2186 at the second pivot assembly 2189, while the second pivot assembly2189 causes or permits rotation of the second table top portion 2122 brelative to the first table top portion 2122 a so that it extendsgenerally downward from the first table top portion 2122 a at the secondpivot assembly 2189.

The first pivot assembly 2188 and the second pivot assembly 2189 arepivoting hinge type assemblies that may be active or passive. In activeimplementations, the first pivot assembly 2188 and the second pivotassembly 2189 may include actuators (e.g., electromechanical actuatordevices) that move the first table top portion 2122 a and the secondtable top portion 2122 b from the deployed position to the retracted inresponse to a command that is issued by a control system in response todetection of a vehicle event. In passive implementations, the firsttable top portion 2122 a and the second table top portion 2122 b maymove from the deployed position to the retracted position in response toapplication of force to the second table top portion 2122 b (e.g., uponcontact of the passenger 101 with the second table top portion 2122 bduring a vehicle event). As one example, motion of the first table topportion 2122 a and the second table top portion 2122 b may be controlledactively according to the process 870. As another example, motion of thefirst table top portion 2122 a and the second table top portion 2122 bmay be controlled passively according to the process 970.

The first pivot assembly 2188 and the second pivot assembly 2189 mayeach be or include an electromechanical device, a pneumatic deviceand/or a pre-tensioned spring device. The first pivot assembly 2188 andthe second pivot assembly 2189 may be implemented in the mannerdescribed with respect to the rotation adjuster 332, the pivot assembly1385 and/or the pivot assembly 1585. The first pivot assembly 2188 andthe second pivot assembly 2189 may each include an energy absorbingdevice that controls motion of the first table top portion 2122 a andthe second table top portion 2122 b to absorb energy in a controlledmanner during movement of the second table top portion 2122 b inresponse to force applied by contact of the passenger 101 with thesecond table top portion 2122 b.

FIG. 23 is a side view schematic illustration that shows a seat assembly2306 and a table 2320. The seat assembly 2306 may be implementedaccording to the description of the seat assembly 106. The table 2320may be implemented according to the description of tables in any of theforegoing implementations, including the table 120. The seat assembly2306 and the table 2320 may be located in the passenger cabin of avehicle, such as the passenger cabin 102 of the vehicle 100.

The table 2320 includes an adjustable support assembly 2324, which isimplemented in accordance with the description of the adjustable supportassembly 124 or in accordance with the descriptions of any of themechanisms described in the foregoing embodiments alone or incombination.

An airbag assembly 2307 is located adjacent to the seat. In theillustrated implementation, the airbag assembly 2307 is located in theseat assembly 2306. As examples, the airbag assembly 2307 could belocated along the sides of the seat pan, seat back, or headrest of theseat assembly, or in arms of the seat assembly 2306. In otherimplementations, the airbag assembly 2307 may be located in or under thetable, in the ceiling of the passenger cabin, or in the side walls ofthe passenger cabin. The airbag assembly, prior to deployment, includesa folded airbag and an inflator (e.g., pyrotechnic). Other componentsmay be included. When inflated, the airbag assembly 2307 defines aninflated airbag 2309 that is located in front of a passenger that isseated in the seat assembly 2306. The table 2320 serves as a reactionsurface that restricts movement of the inflated airbag 2309 so that itis able to react the forces applied to it as a result of engagement bythe passenger, for example, by engagement of the inflated airbag 2309with a top surface of a table top 2322 of the table 2320. Thus, thesafety systems that are described herein may include an airbag assemblythat is controllable to deploy an airbag adjacent to the seat assemblyso that the airbag engages the table top and the table top serves as areaction surface for the airbag.

To allow the table 2320 to serve as a reaction surface, the adjustablesupport assembly 2324 may be controlled in response to detection of avehicle event to move the table 2320 to a location where it willeffectively react the inflated airbag 2309. As one example, theadjustable support assembly 2324 may be controlled (e.g., by acontroller) to move the table 2320 to a predetermined position. Asanother example, the controller may determine a table position for thetable 2320 based on sensor output signals that are received from sensorsand then move the table 2320 to the determined table position. Thesensor output signals may represent one or more internal or externalfactors. External factors may include sensed values relating to anactual or predicted vehicle event such as a speed of the vehicle 100, aspeed of an external vehicle, and the location of the external. Internalfactors may include sensed values relating to the passenger, such asmeasurements of the passenger (e.g., weight and height) and the relativepositions of the seat assembly 2306 and the table 2320. Thus, in someimplementations, a controller outputs a control signal so that theadjustable support assembly 2324 moves at least part of the table top2322 to a predetermined position. In some implementations, internalsensors are configured to generate internal sensor outputs regardingstates within the passenger cabin, and a controller determines a tableposition based on the internal sensor outputs and outputs the controlsignal so that the adjustable support assembly 2324 moves at least partof the table top 2322 to the table position.

FIGS. 24-27 are directed to examples of energy absorbing devices thatmay be used with described herein as passive motion control devices toabsorb energy in a controlled manner. As an example, the example energyabsorbing devices may be used in translational stages discussed herein,such as the translational stage 1734 and the translational stage 1934.The energy absorbing devices can be used to control or dampen movementof any of the tables, table tops, and components thereof during avehicle event or other rapid deceleration of the vehicle 100.

FIG. 24 shows a motion diagram for an example of an energy absorbingdevice 2490. The energy absorbing device 2490 includes a ductile strip2491 that is connected at an attachment point 2492 (e.g., attachment toa table top) and routed through a series of barriers 2493 configured toplastically deform the ductile strip 2491 upon reaching a predeterminedthreshold force value for payout of the ductile strip 2491. Motion ofthe attachment point 2492 indicated using a dotted-line arrow. Motion ofthe attachment point can occur after the predetermined threshold forcevalue is met or in response to a command received from a controller.

FIG. 25 shows a motion diagram for another example of an energyabsorbing device 2590. The energy absorbing device 2590 includes a cable2594 or other tension carrying member that is coupled to an attachmentpoint 2592 (e.g., attachment to a table) and coiled around a spool 2595with a torsion bar (not shown) used to control the predeterminedthreshold force value for payout of the cable 2594. Motion of theattachment point 2592 is indicated using dotted-line arrows. Motion ofthe attachment point 2592 can occur after the predetermined thresholdforce value is met or in response to a command to allow movementreceived from a controller.

FIG. 26 shows a motion diagram for another example of an energyabsorbing device 2690. The energy absorbing device 2690 includes energyabsorbing elements in the form of notches 2696 designed with a tunableforce or predetermined load threshold at which deformation in the formor compression or bending occurs. In this manner, the notches 2696control movement of an attachment point 2692 as the attachment point2692 passes subsequent ones of the notches 2696 and they are bent byengagement with the attachment point 2692. Motion of the attachmentpoint 2692 can occur after the predetermined threshold force value ismet or in response to a command to allow movement received from acontroller.

FIG. 27 shows a motion diagram for another example of an energyabsorbing device 2790. The energy absorbing device 2790 includes anenergy absorbing element in the form of a deformable element 2797 suchas a honeycomb member, a deformable tube, an extruded member, or otherstructure with a or predetermined force threshold at which deformationin the form or compression or crumpling occurs. In this manner, thedeformable element 2797 controls movement of an attachment point 2792(e.g., attachment to a table) with motion of the attachment point 2792indicated using a dotted-line arrow. Motion of the attachment point 2792can occur after the predetermined threshold force value is met or inresponse to a command to allow movement received from a controller.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a safety system 2800. The safety system2800 can include a controller 2801, sensors 2802, a seat system 2803, anairbag system 2804, and a table system 2805. The safety system 2800 caninclude components similar to components described in reference to FIGS.1-27 . For example, the seat system 2803 can operate in a manner similarto the seat assembly 106 and may include additional seats configuredsimilarly. The airbag system 2804 may be implemented in the mannerdescribed with respect to the airbag assembly 2307. The table system2805 may include any of the configurations and structures described withrespect to tables in the foregoing implementations, including adjustablesupport assemblies such as the adjustable support assembly 124. Thedescription of the safety system 2800 is relevant to all implementationsthat are described herein and some or all of the features of the safetysystem 2800 may be included in those implementations.

The controller 2801 coordinates operation of the safety system 2800 byfacilitating wired of wireless communications between includedcomponents of the safety system 2800 and/or other systems of thevehicle. The controller 2801 may receive sensor outputs (e.g., signals,data, etc.) from the sensors 2802 that provide information regardingenvironmental conditions outside of the vehicle 100, conditions insideof the vehicle 100, operating conditions of the vehicle 100, and/orother information. The controller 2810 may also receive information fromand/or send information to other portions of the safety system 2800.

The sensors 2802 may capture or receive information related, forexample, to components of the safety system 2800, to other systems ofthe vehicle, and/or to an environment. The environment may include thepassenger cabin of the vehicle and an outside environment that isexternal to the vehicle. Information captured or received by the sensors2802 can relate to seats, anchors, footrests, occupants within avehicle, other vehicles, pedestrians and/or objects in the externalenvironment, operating conditions of the vehicle, operating conditionsof other vehicles, trajectories of other vehicles, and/or otherconditions within the vehicle or exterior to the vehicle.

The safety system 2800 can control an operational mode of the tablesystem 2805 and/or the airbag system 2804 based on a control signal,such as a signal from the controller 2801. The control signal may bebased on information captured or received by the sensors 2802 and maycause various components within the safety system 2800 to change betweenvarious operational modes. The safety system 2800 may determine when andhow to move, lock, unlock or otherwise control the table system 2805,and send control signals (e.g., voltage signal, command message, etc.)to the table system 2805.

The safety system 2800 may control operation of the table system 2805 tocontrol forces incident upon the table during a vehicle event,consistent with a force value. The force value may be determined basedon any one or combination of inputs including vehicle speed, externalvehicle speeds, passenger mass, and passenger height. The informationused to make these decisions may be supplied by the sensors 2802,including external sensing sensors and interior sensing sensors. Theexternal sensing sensors output signals that represent observations ofthe environment around the vehicle 100. The external sensing sensors mayinclude, as examples, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, still cameras, andvideo cameras. The internal sensors are configured to output signalsthat represent observations regarding states within the passenger cabin102 of the vehicle 100. Examples of the internal sensors include seatweight sensors, safety belt buckle switches, still cameras, and videocameras. The force value can be determined by assessing the passengerwhen they enter the vehicle. The force levels can be determined inresponse to detection of an actual or predicted vehicle event.

Some features of the safety systems described herein may be disabledunder certain conditions, which can be specified by control logic andevaluated, for example, based on sensor signals.

Some or all of the motion causing (e.g., active) or motion regulating(e.g., passive) devices that are described herein may be equipped withone way locking mechanism that prevents return to the initial position.As an example, after translation of the table 120 away from the seatassembly 106, the one-way locking mechanism is engaged to restraintranslation of the table 120 back toward the seat assembly 106.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram that shows an example of a hardwareconfiguration for a controller 2900 that may be used to implement thecontroller 2801 of the safety system and/or other portions of the safetysystem 2800. In the illustrated example, the controller 2900 includes aprocessor 2901, a memory device 2902, a storage device 2903, one or moreinput devices 2904, and one or more output devices 2905. Thesecomponents may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus 2906 thatallows communication between the components.

The processor 2901 may be a conventional device such as a centralprocessing unit and is operable to execute computer program instructionsand perform operations described by the computer program instructions.The memory device 2902 may be a volatile, high-speed, short-terminformation storage device such as a random-access memory module. Thestorage device 2903 may be a non-volatile information storage devicesuch as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices 2904 mayinclude sensors such as the sensors 2802 and/or any type ofhuman-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse,a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio inputdevice. The output devices 2905 may include any type of device operableto send commands associated with an operating mode or state or providean indication to a user regarding an operating mode or state, such as adisplay screen, an interface for a safety system such as the safetysystem 2800, or an audio output.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of an example of a hardware configuration forthe vehicle 100. The description of the vehicle 100 is relevant to allimplementations that are described herein and some or all of thefeatures of the vehicle 100 may be included in those implementations.

The vehicle 100 may be a conventional road-going vehicle that issupported by wheels and tires (e.g., four wheels and tires). As anexample, the vehicle 100 may be a passenger vehicle that is configuredto carry one or more passengers. As another example, the vehicle 100 maybe a cargo vehicle that is configured to carry cargo items.

In the illustrated implementation, the vehicle 100 includes the bodystructure 104, a suspension system 3002, a propulsion system 3003, abraking system 3004, a steering system 3005, a sensing system 3006, anda control system 3007. These are examples of vehicle systems that areincluded in the vehicle 100. Other systems can be included in thevehicle 100.

The body structure 104 is a structural component of the vehicle 100through which other components are interconnected and supported. Thebody structure 104 may, for example, include or define the passengercabin 102, as previously described. The body structure 104 may includestructural components (e.g., a frame, subframe, unibody, monocoque,etc.) and aesthetic components (e.g., exterior body panels).

The suspension system 3002 supports a sprung mass of the vehicle 100with respect to an unsprung mass of the vehicle 100. The suspensionsystem 3002 is an active suspension system that is configured to controlgenerally vertical motion of the wheels. Broadly speaking, thesuspension system 3002 controls vertical motion of the wheels of thevehicle 100 relative to the body structure 104, for example, to ensurecontact between the wheels and a surface of a roadway and to reduceundesirable movements of the body structure 104. The suspension system3002 includes components (e.g., actuators) that are configured totransfer energy into and absorb energy from the wheels, such as byapplying upward and downward forces to introduce energy into and absorbenergy from the wheels. The components of the suspension system 3002 maybe operated in accordance with signals from sensors in the sensingsystem 3006 and under control from the control system 3007, for example,in the form of commands transmitted from the control system 3007 to thesuspension system 3002.

The propulsion system 3003 includes propulsion components that areconfigured to cause motion of the vehicle 100 (e.g., accelerating thevehicle 100). The propulsion system 3003 may include components suchthat are operable to generate torque and deliver that torque to one ormore wheels (e.g., road wheels that contact the road through tiresmounted on the road wheels). Examples of components that may be includedin the propulsion system 3003 include motors, gearboxes, and propulsionlinkages (e.g., drive shafts, half shafts, etc.). Motors included in thepropulsion system 3003 may be, as examples, an internal combustionengine powered by a combustible fuel or one or more electric motors thatare powered by electricity (e.g., from a battery). Electric motors thatare included in the propulsion system 3003 may further be configured tooperate as generators that charge the battery in a regenerative brakingconfiguration.

The braking system 3004 provides deceleration torque for deceleratingthe vehicle 100. The braking system 3004 may include friction brakingcomponents such as disk brakes or drum brakes. The braking system 3004may use an electric motor of the propulsion system to decelerate thevehicle by electromagnetic resistance, which may be part of batterycharging in a regenerative braking configuration.

The steering system 3005 is operable to cause the vehicle to turn (e.g.,change direction) by changing a steering angle of one or more wheels ofthe vehicle 100. As one example, one or more wheels of the vehicle mayeach include an independently operated steering actuator. As anotherexample, two wheels of the vehicle 100 may be connected by steeringlinkages to a single steering actuator or to a manually operatedsteering device.

The sensing system 3006 includes sensors for observing externalconditions of the environment around the vehicle 100 (e.g., location ofthe roadway and other objects) and conditions of the vehicle 100 (e.g.,acceleration and conditions of the various systems and theircomponents). The sensing system 3006 may include sensors of varioustypes, including dedicated sensors and/or components of the varioussystems. For example, actuators may incorporate sensors or portions ofactuators may function as sensors such as by measuring current draw ofan electric motor incorporated in an actuator. The suspension system3002 may, for example, be controlled using acceleration sensors that areconnected to a sprung mass of the vehicle 100, to an unsprung mass ofthe vehicle 100, and/or to one or more suspension actuators of thevehicle 100.

The control system 3007 includes communication components (i.e., forreceiving sensor signals and sending control signals) and processingcomponents (i.e., for processing the sensor signals and determiningcontrol operations), such as a controller. The control system 3007 maybe a single system or multiple related systems. For example, the controlsystem 3007 may be a distributed system including components that areincluded in other systems of the vehicle 100, such as the suspensionsystem 3002, the propulsion system 3003, the braking system 3004, thesteering system 3005, the sensing system 3006, and/or other systems.

As used herein, the language “at least one of A or B” should beinterpreted to mean “at least one of A or at least one of B” as opposedto requiring “at least one A and at least one B.”

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is thegathering and use of data available from various sources, sensors, oruser profiles, to operate portions of the safety system. The presentdisclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data mayinclude personal information data that uniquely identifies or can beused to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal informationdata can include demographic data, location-based data, telephonenumbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or recordsrelating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signsmeasurements, medication information, exercise information), date ofbirth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of personal informationdata, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users.For example, the personal information data can be used to customizationoperation of the safety system according to user information. Other usesfor personal information data that benefit the user are also possible.For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insightsinto a user's general wellness or may be used as positive feedback toindividuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible forthe collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use ofsuch personal information data will comply with well-established privacypolicies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities shouldimplement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining personal information data private andsecure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should beupdated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personalinformation from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonableuses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimateuses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving theinformed consent of the users.

Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps forsafeguarding and securing access to such personal information data andensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhereto their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities cansubject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify theiradherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Inaddition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particulartypes of personal information data being collected and/or accessed andadapted to applicable laws and standards, includingjurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US,collection of or access to certain health data may be governed byfederal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries maybe subject to other regulations and policies and should be handledaccordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained fordifferent personal data types in each country.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplatesembodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to,personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplatesthat hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent orblock access to such personal information data. For example, in the caseof user-profile-based safety systems, the present technology can beconfigured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” ofparticipation in the collection of personal information data duringregistration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition toproviding “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosurecontemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use ofpersonal information. For instance, a user may be notified upondownloading an app that their personal information data will be accessedand then reminded again just before personal information data isaccessed by the app.

Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personalinformation data should be managed and handled in a way to minimizerisks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can beminimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once itis no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including incertain health related applications, data de-identification can be usedto protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, whenappropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth,etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g.,collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level),controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users),and/or other methods.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use ofpersonal information data to implement one or more various disclosedembodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the variousembodiments can be implemented without the need for accessing suchpersonal information data. That is, the various embodiments of thepresent technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all ora portion of such personal information data. For example, the safetysystem can be operated based on non-personal information data, a bareminimum amount of personal information, other non-personal informationavailable to the system, or publicly available information.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle, comprising: a body that defines apassenger cabin; a seat that is located in the passenger cabin; a tablethat includes a table top that is movable between a retracted positionand a deployed position, with the table top closer to the seat in thedeployed position than the retracted position; and an energy absorbingportion coupled to the table top and configured to dampen movement ofthe table top between the retracted position and the deployed position.2. The vehicle of claim 1, further including an interior wall located inthe passenger cabin, with the table top connected to and supported by aninterior wall.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the interior walldefines a cavity, with the table top configured to move into the cavitywhen moving from the deployed position to the retracted position.
 4. Thevehicle of claim 3, wherein the table top is configured to slide betweenthe retracted position and the deployed position.
 5. The vehicle ofclaim 2, wherein the table top has a first table top portion and asecond table top portion, with the first table top portion connected toand supported by the interior wall.
 6. The vehicle of claim 5, whereinthe first table top portion defines an interior, and wherein the secondtable top portion is telescopically coupled to the first table topportion so that the second table top portion slides into and out of theinterior of the first table top portion between the deployed positionand the retracted position.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the tableincludes a translational stage arranged to support the table top andallow the table top to slide between the deployed position and theretracted position.
 8. The vehicle of claim 7, further comprising:sensors that are configured to generate sensor outputs regarding anenvironment outside of the vehicle; and a controller that detects avehicle event based on the sensor outputs and, in response to thedetection of the vehicle event, wherein the translational stage includesactuators configured to move the table top from the deployed position tothe retracted position in response to a command that is issued by acontrol system in response to detection of a vehicle event, and whereinthe controller outputs a control signal that controls the actuators sothat the table top moves away from the seat.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the energy absorbing portion includes a ductile strip that isconnected at an attachment point and routed through barriers configuredto plastically deform the ductile strip upon reaching a predeterminedthreshold force value for payout of the ductile strip.
 10. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing portion includes a cable thatis coupled to an attachment point and coiled around a spool, with thecable configured to payout from the spool upon reaching a predeterminedthreshold force value.
 11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the energyabsorbing portion includes an attachment point and notches having apredetermined load threshold at which deformation occurs, with thenotches configured to engage the attachment point and deform bycompression and/or bending to control movement of the attachment pointas the attachment point passes along the notches.
 12. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the energy absorbing portion includes an attachmentpoint and a deformable portion having a predetermined force threshold atwhich deformation occurs, with the deformable portion configured toengage the attachment point and deform by compression and/or crumplingto control movement of the attachment point as the attachment pointpresses into the deformable portion.
 13. A vehicle, comprising: a bodythat defines a passenger cabin; a seat that is located in the passengercabin; a table that includes a table top and an adjustable support, withthe table top being located adjacent to the seat; and wherein theadjustable support includes breakaway portions that operatively retainthe table top relative to the adjustable support, with the breakawayportions configured to break when subjected to a force that is greaterthan a threshold value to allow movement of the table top independent ofthe adjustable support during a vehicle event.
 14. The vehicle of claim13, wherein the adjustable support includes a first support columnportion and a second support column portion coupled to the table top,with the first support column portion and the second support columnportion axially nested.
 15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the firstsupport column portion is configured to rotate relative to the secondsupport column portion, and wherein the breakaway portions of theadjustable support include rotational breakaway portions that arelocated at an interface of the first support column portion and thesecond support column portion rotatably to retain the table top and thefirst support column portion to the second support column portion andbreak if subjected to a rotational force that is greater than thethreshold value to allow rotation of the table top relative to theadjustable support during a vehicle event.
 16. The vehicle of claim 15,wherein the rotational breakaway portions include splines extendingbetween and engaging the first support column portion and the secondsupport column portion at the interface, with each of the splinesincluding axially-extending notches that define weak points that extendaxially along the splines, with the splines configured to break at thenotches if subjected to the rotational force that is greater than thethreshold value to allow rotation of the table top relative to theadjustable support during a vehicle event.
 17. The vehicle of claim 13,wherein the breakaway portions include translational breakaway portionsthat connect the table top to the adjustable support.
 18. The vehicle ofclaim 17, wherein the translational breakaway portions include postsextending between and engaging the table top to the adjustable support,with each of the posts including notches that define weak spots for theposts, with the posts configured to break when subjected to atranslational force that is greater than the threshold value to allowtranslation of the table top relative to the adjustable support during avehicle event.
 19. A vehicle, comprising: a body that defines apassenger cabin; a seat that is located in the passenger cabin; a tablethat includes a table top and an adjustable support, the table top islocated adjacent to the seat, the adjustable support is configured tomove the table top with respect to the seat, and the adjustable supportis movable from a locked state in which motion of the table top isrestrained to an unlocked state in which motion of the table top isallowed in at least one degree of freedom; sensors that are configuredto generate sensor outputs regarding an environment outside of thevehicle; and a controller that detects a vehicle event based on thesensor outputs and, in response to the detection of the vehicle event,outputs a control signal to switch the adjustable support from thelocked state to the unlocked state, wherein the table top includes anupper panel, a lower panel, and a peripheral portion, with at least partof the table top including an internal portion that has a crushableconfiguration to absorb energy.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein thecrushable configuration of the internal portion is defined by at leastone of a crushable material, a geometric configuration of a rigid orsemi-rigid material, or by a geometric configuration of a crushablematerial.
 21. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the internal portionincludes upright wall portions that extend at least part of the waybetween the upper panel and the lower panel and are arranged in ahexagonal configuration to define cells, with the upright wall portionsconfigured to collapse toward each other during crushing.